Seat sensor apparatus for occupant presence detection

摘要

An occupant presence sensor apparatus (12) disposed in a seat (10) includes first and second substantially non-compliant force translation plates (22, 24) generally parallel to the seating surface (18) of the seat (10), an elastomeric mat (26) disposed between the first and second force translation plates (22, 24), and a switch mechanism (28) disposed between the first and second force translation plates (22, 24) within an opening (52) formed in the elastomeric mat (26). The elastomeric mat (26) includes a distributed array of hollow protuberances (50a, 50b) that extend toward and contact the force translation plates (22, 24), and the mat (26) has a stiffness that normally provides a clearance between the switch mechanism (28) and one of the force translation plates (22, 24). When an occupant of specified or higher weight sits on the seating surface (18), the protuberances (50a, 50b) collapse and the force translation plates (22, 24) activate the switch mechanism (28).